First fitting muslin B5662 corset

I actually sewed this up and had hubby snap these pics before we road-tripped to Florida, but I needed time to review the pics and persuade my last two working brain cells to think on them.  One thing I did not need those brain cells for was to appreciate how much it helps to use striped fabric for a fitting muslin!  This is especially true when fitting corsets.

Quick review: I cut the Butterick 5662 fitting muslin out of lightweight striped cotton (more on this in a minute) and out of the eight panels, four were sized.  I cut a size 14 for the front panel, and used size 12 for the other three ... remember the measurement chart says to cut either a size 18 or 20.  Here are the results, with just the fitting muslin, a zipper, and lacing panels cannibalized off an old attempt at a corset.

B5662 first fitting muslin - front

LOVELY shaping to this pattern!  Since I didn't bother even taping cable ties to it, I am indeed holding the top up.

B5662 first fitting muslin - back

 Oops ... that is definitely not an even lacing gap.  Pattern alteration time ...

B5662 fitting muslin - side

Here is another challenge: the side seam should be vertical, but pulls forward.  The whole side seam is too forward, but it's particularly noticeable at the top ... so like most patterns I will need to "FBA" this pattern.  There's also a pull-forward at the waist, although the hips section below the waist doesn't look as bad.  I think I will try sizing the front one of the side panels up to a 14, but leave the back one and back-center at size 12, then add to the top of the two front-middle panels that are not sized on the pattern.

Okay, just a little note on this: hubby pulled it way too tight when he laced me up in back, and if you look at the front pic closely you can see where the fabric at the seams is starting to pull apart.  I guess he got used to me doing fitting muslins in canvas.  No big deal, since I need to make another, but I may dig up a striped home dec fabric for the next round of fitting this corset pattern.

My goals for the next round in the fitting stage are to get an evenly spaced lacing gap in back while moving the side seam to where it belongs.

B5662 Let the corset-fitting begin again

I am slowly pulling myself out of my sewing slump with (what else?) my new corset I now very much need.  I have been wanting to try out the Butterick 5662 released earlier this year, and here it is cut out in striped cotton for the fitting muslin.

B5662 fitting muslin cut

I've already started basting the seams (in black thread).  I'm planning to thread up Camster and put her to work so I can also use a simple yet truly wonderful tool: a magnet for seam allowance.

I had more to say, but the guys are home now and the thoughts left.